Tuesday, April 26, 2011

This was the phrase that served as the driving force behind the beautiful life and caring actions of 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman. Becca, a cheerleader, honor student, and caring young woman, passed away in a tragic automobile accident on August 20, 2003. Today, her family and friends not only remember Becca for her great love and friendship, but also for her contributions to the community.
As prom is almost here for many students of Broward and Dade County, an organization, Becca's Closet, has been very busy collecting prom dresses for young girls that would otherwise not have an opportunity to have one.

Becca's Closet mission:Becca's Closet was created as a legacy to Rebecca Kirtman and the project she started. Becca's Closet provides formal attire to high school students who otherwise would not be able to attend their prom/homecoming. Our mission is to continue her vision and dream of helping others. In Becca's memory, scholarships are awarded to deserving high school students to advance their education.

Speaking to Channel 7 WSVN, Kirtman's father, Jake Kirtman, urged the South Florida community to donate. "If you wore your prom dress one time or twice, you know, and it's currently in style or the latest style and fashion and gently worn, please come out to Florida National College and make a donation, and we would really appreciate it," he said.

The Web: especially if you want to work outside your neighborhood, or even your state, the Web is the place for you to explore all sorts of summer job opportunities -– so go visit Quintessential Careers: Summer Job Websites.

What do Employers Look for in Teens
Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.

Final Words of AdviceJobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Alcohol Awareness Month, as declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), aims to raise awareness about the seriousness of alcohol dependency and alcoholism, while recognizing the serious problem of alcohol abuse. It is an ideal time to educate yourself and loved ones about the dangers of alcohol abuse.

Alcohol use is an issue of concern in St. Johns County for both young adults and those under 21 years of age. According to the 2010 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, alcohol is the most commonly used drug among St. Johns County students with 29.4% of surveyed middle and high school students reporting the use of alcohol in the past 30 days. While this number has decreased 7.6% since 2000, it is still a topic of much unease.“I believe alcohol awareness month is important in getting the message out to young people to ‘think before you drink,’ think about the consequences, and think about the long term effects of alcohol abuse,” said Ponte Vedra Beach resident and recovering alcoholic, Mark Tondreault.

Tondreault shares his story of life after a liver transplant and heart valve replacement, which were the result of years of heavy drinking, with schools, clubs and organizations. He stresses the dangers of alcohol abuse, how easy it is to become addicted to alcohol, and how alcohol can slowly affect a person’s health.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that nearly 14 million Americans, one in every 13 adults, abuses alcohol or are alcohol dependent. In addition, fewer than 25% of adults and fewer than 10% of youth who need treatment receive it in a given year.

PACT Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County is dedicated to making St. Johns County a healthy substance-free community for our youth through prevention, advocacy, choices and teamwork. For more information about PACT Prevention Coalition of St. Johns County call (904) 829-6261 or visit www.pactprevention.org.

Monday, April 4, 2011

College gambling is not a subject many parents talk about or even think about, however it is a serious concern. Did you know approximately 75 percent of college students gambled during the past year (whether legally or illegally)?

More facts on college gambling:

The most recent research estimates that 6 percent of college students in the U.S. have a serious gambling problem that can result in psychological difficulties, unmanageable debt and failing grades.

Research has shown that teenagers and college-aged young adults are more impulsive and at higher risk for developing gambling disorders than adults.

Most adults with a gambling problem started gambling at an early age. Scientists have learned that the adolescent brain is still growing, which accounts for the frequently impulsive behavior and unwise decisions of teenagers.

Compared to female college students, research suggests that male college students are more likely to have gambled in the past year, gambled with more money and reported having gambling problems.

Gambling disorders are associated with numerous negative consequences and are highly correlated with other risky behaviors in the college student population.

Compared to students without gambling problems, students with gambling problems are more likely to use tobacco, drink heavily or binge drink, smoke marijuana or use other illegal drugs, drive under the influence and have a low GPA.

Gambling opportunities, once only available in a few states, have proliferated nationwide during the past 30 years with the expansion of lotteries, casinos, and Internet gambling. Therefore, today’s college students are exposed to not only drinking and drug use but also gambling, both on campus and in the surrounding community.

While the most recent research estimates that 6 percent of college students have a gambling problem, college students appear to mature out of these problems, as they do with alcohol and drug use, after college. This is evidenced by the fact that only 1 percent of the adult population has a gambling disorder in the U.S.

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About Me

As a Parent Advocate and Author, my parenting book "Wit's End!" is
now available. Published by the publishers that brought you Chicken Soup
Book Series for the Soul series. Order today at www.witsendbook.com

My next book, Google Bomb, is also available now!
http://www.googlebombbook.com When revenge becomes e-venge many people are finding out how quickly their lives can be taken from them digitally and in real life!

Cyberbullying isn't only for kids, adults can sometimes be worse than teens!

Learn more and be proactive about maintaining your online reputation.

I am also on the Board of Director for Communities in Schools. I volunteer to help empower and keep teens in school. Education is the keys to success in life!